Miller sad to leave Dons

Willie Miller (left) was removed from his role as Aberdeen's director of football on Tuesday

Willie Miller admits he was "surprised and disappointed" by his departure from Aberdeen.

The former Dons captain and manager was removed from his role as director of football by chairman Stewart Milne as the club announced a number of boardroom changes on Tuesday.

The 57-year-old said in a statement on STV's website: "I am very surprised and disappointed at the chairman's decision to end my association with the club."

He continued: "I leave with a heavy heart but would like to thank the club, the fans and all the staff for their support during my long association with the Dons.

"I would like to wish Craig [Brown] and Archie [Knox] and all the football staff and players good fortune for the new season.

"I must also extend my gratitude to all my development colleagues who helped put in place our successful youth development programme, which after eight years of tireless effort has produced a number of exciting talents now in the first team squad.

"These youngsters and the bright crop coming through are the future of the club.

"It goes without saying that I have enjoyed every minute of my time as a player, captain, manager and director of the club and I will now continue my association as a supporter and will continue to have the best interests of the club at heart."